Depending on the break you need, there’s everything to do at Lochview Lodges in Lochwinnoch ... or there’s nothing to do. It’s entirely up to you.
If you are aiming for an action-packed time, you could fill the car with the family, the golf clubs, the paddle boards, the walking boots, the bikes, the wet suits and the dog.
Or travel light and breathe in the peace you’ll find at the luxury lodges that David and Elizabeth Smiley built as they were keen to maximise the opportunity of a growing demand for staycation holidays over the last couple of years.
David and Elizabeth’s lodges have the locational wow factor and they have taken a real pride in their work. Sitting high up over the Renfrewshire village of picturesque Lochwinnoch, the view from the deck over Castle Semple Loch brings with it the need to sit on the deck, vino in hand, with the hot tub bubbling away in the background as you decide what you are going to be doing for the rest of your stay.
These two beautiful bespoke luxury family lodges are nestled within Clyde Muirshiel Country Park and both have stunning views over three different lochs; and the joy is that you have seclusion while still being just a short walk away from local amenities.
The two lodges sit together but with a pleasant distance between them to maintain that secluded feel and within each, you are treated to a five-star, gorgeous high-end lodge with a spacious and bright open plan kitchen, living, and dining area. There’s Oakwood and Beechwood, both are tastefully individual, two-bedroom detached lodges.
Oakwood has a cosy wood pellet burner whilst Beechwood has gas central heating so that regardless of the time of year that you visit, you will still be toasty. Everything about the properties has been well thought out, offering high spec' fixtures and fittings as well as 360° views through the floor to ceiling windows.
Unwind in the private hot tub and relax in the comfortable surroundings admiring the beautiful countryside, the abundance of wildlife and unrivalled exquisite loch views. By night you can enjoy star gazing to make the break truly special.
David and Elizabeth have tried to take into consideration everything their guests would need. Both lodges have a king size room with ensuite and a twin room. There are travel cots and highchairs already there – that’s more space for the golf clubs in the car – that’s a win!
All the mod cons are here; smart TVs, wifi, Netflix and Alexa, and for the longer stay, there’s a washing machine and tumble dryer. It’s a home away from home, but also has the option to eat out if you wish – there are plenty of lovely restaurants and takeaways in the local village that are happy to deliver to the door.
Well, you’ve got yourself there, what next?
As mentioned, the lodges sit in Clyde Muirshiel Country Park. If you are a walker, runner or cyclist, then this is your heaven. The largest regional park in Scotland with more than 108 square miles of scenic Scottish countryside to enjoy.
There’s a good morning to be had tackling Windy Hill, definitely a hill rather than a mountain, but it still gives amazing views of the surrounding hills. Or head back down to the visitor centre and ask about the hen harrier nests. They won’t tell you where they are, but there is lots of information on the walks and the wildlife to be seen.
Castle Semple Loch, which you can see from the lodge, has plenty of water sport options. This is why you strapped the paddleboards to your car roof, remember. You can take to the water as paddleboarding, sailing, power-boating, open water swimming and kayaking are all here, as well as having a fantastic RSPB visitor centre nearby.
Back to the lodges themselves and they are all the product of David and Elizabeth’s self-financed hard work after they got planning permission in 2019 to transform a piece of land which was just crying out to be used for agritourism.
They initially ordered one lodge which came in June, 2020, after David’s practical expertise laid all the groundwork, no easy task!
The lodge from Willerby Homes arrived in two halves and was re-joined, then David, also an electrician, connected all the services. When the hot tub arrived, they opened for business in August, 2020.
Every cloud has a silver lining and with the pandemic on and the nation looking for staycation options, the couple were overwhelmed at the popularity, when Oakwood attracted visitors from all over the UK.
Another lodge was ordered, named Beechwood. Of course, delays with Covid-19 held up the arrival and their promised hot tub was stuck somewhere in the Suez canal, like half the world’s goods, but they were finally united and the new lodge opened for business in November, 2021.
It’s been an incredibly busy time for the couple. Both have their own jobs, with three young kids to look after, but this has been a family project and Elizabeth tells me fondly about their oldest daughter, Rebecca, then aged 10, who took on the job of creating, designing and publishing their website for them, and she has done a fantastic job of it.
Their other two daughters, Katie, 8, and Sophia, 3, were given their own important jobs like helping with the welcome baskets and ensuring it was kid safe! And with some Zwartbles sheep, pigs and wild deer in the neighbouring fields, there is always a little bit of the country life outside the door.
Venturing into the world of travel and hospitality seems like a leap for PE teacher Elizabeth, but she has gained experience working in the local country club and loves dealing with the public with her bubbly, friendly and outgoing nature. She also picked up some marketing skills which have been a wonderful addition to her business mindset while working on building the lodge business.
Back at the lodges and it’s the little things that make you happy when you unlock the door. You will be met with a well-thought-out welcome basket of goodies that includes the essentials like tea, coffee, milk, bread, bacon, eggs, and orange juice and also a bottle of Prosecco, and some beer and chocolates if it’s a special occasion break.
Relax with the stove burning or sit on the wrap-around deck and watch the sunset. Or if there’s a nip in the air, stay indoors and make use of the huge corner bath and soak away your aches after a round of golf at the local golf club that accepts day players.
If shopping is your thing, Braehead Shopping Centre and Glasgow City Centre are only a short train journey away. You are in the perfect position to go to Largs, jump on the ferry to Millport, or there are ferries close by to Arran, Rothesay and Dunoon. The best of Scotland is at your doorstep here, all you have to do is step outside and take advantage of it.
Bookings are picking up for 2022 and available through Holiday Cottages for Oakwood and Airbnb or Booking.com for Beechwood with a minimum three-night stay. Contactless entry, with key safes allows you to arrive at your leisure, along with CCTV outdoors for security and to monitor safe arrivals which are linked to the owners’ smartphones.
For more info, go to www.lochview-lodges.com
